Tyranny: Onwards

Chapter 92- Only a Hug

A screech so beautiful and long, one which can only be originated from the fierce throat of Paracorus heals my ears and puts my mind into a dreamy lull. I cannot determine whether or not this is something to celebrate or dread, as it signals the finding of Dagwood. It is of course a relief to know he is stable and healthy enough to walk on his own, yet what will happen when he sets his eyes on Blaze in this condition?

I lift my head and scan for the bullet of fire in the sky it owns but lower it to assess the faces of those around me and take in their reactions. Phoenix's eyebrows crinkle together slightly, Aegis becomes stern and tenses but they do not allow anything to divert the strong golden flow healing Blaze. Rin becomes curious and her eyes betray her positivity, Hester searches around also for the flame of the sky.

BAM!

It lands with a bang on Phoenix's shoulder but he does not seem effected whatsoever. Off along the horizon where the faded and faint trees stand patient, I can hardly make out the shape of what must be Dagwood emerging and approaching. Once I've spotted him the others seem to notice and turn, except for Aegis and Phoenix.

My heart pounds loud and I stand, then I decide, who cares! Throwing caution to the wind, I fly right at him, Genesis at my side, ready to greet him. Because maybe, maybe all Dagwood needs is a hug. The others may think he's mentally unstable, but I doubt this is the case, I believe he is stronger then they deem, judging too much based off of the past. Of course I am completely aware how unlike me this is, and it feels strange, but also right. 

Dagwood has been off on his own going insane with worry and stress, chaotic with anxiety, for days now, he needs some comfort, or I would assume he does, not that he's weak, just that he has a mind and heart too. Normally I do not enjoy physical comfort as it does not effect me much but quite the opposite, but for a friend I am more than willing.

He becomes more defined and it is all too clear he has yet to catch the scent of sleep or the taste of food, and the texture or water. Black bags hang under his light brown eyes which have become dull and lost their shine, his smile is gone, and he appears weakened. No longer can he lift his feet, but drags them through the mounds of snow slowly yet desperately. When at last I am close enough to hear his panting, I also come to the conclusion he has not stopped running for a single second all this time. Each breath pains me to comprehend, so harsh and lost with agony. Still his eyes are wide after he spots me but keeps scanning for Blaze.

At last I wrap my arms around his deprived body, holding him firmly, supporting him more solid than a rock, a rock that doesn't even surrender to the wearing of sharp waters at its base. It seems he wishes to collapse into me completely, yet his mind is also in conflict with his resolve to find Blaze, and determination to keep going.

Dagwood is warm and his previously snow white hair fades back into the sheen of his naturally light green hue with the affection I offer, more like force on him to accept.

Muscles beneath his cloak release for what must be the first time since Blaze was taken. I can feel the internal conflict.

"Hey, it's okay, Blaze is alive, just relax." I assure him and squeeze his form in my arms to show sturdy support. This simple sentence pushes the internal battle as he cannot hold himself up any long, he cannot even bring himself to wrap arms around me in return.

Gently I lower him to the ground and we sink smoothly into the pillow of snows on our knees. His head falls into my shoulder peacefully and he begins to cry softly for a few minutes. I hold him steady and firm, I acknowledge him and his pain.

"I-I'm so sorry," He rasps out to me in clear shame.

"Don't worry about it, it's okay," I can't help but hold him closer, my heart bangs so loud and strong, ready for a fierce battle, ready to protect Dagwood at any cost. A sense that nothing could stop me or even slow me down to kill an intruder or danger sends my mind reeling and my determination is solid and firm, my resolve stable, untouchable. Never could I allow him to be hurt in any way.

If need be, I would die for him.

But there is a difference between throwing your life away, and dying for a purpose. I know after all these years how to accomplish my goals such as in this moment while keeping my head on straight.

I know not how long we stay here in peace, far off from the others, but it is a time, a series of frames and seconds, that will never lose their impact on me.

After a good while, I've guessed the others knew this was time we needed alone together, to allow Dagwood some simple silence and calm with no complications. Now I hear tranquil footsteps which must come from Rin and Hester approaching.

Then four arms lapse about me and Dagwood, then four more from Aegis and Phoenix.

They all say a line in turn before Dagwood pulls away and we release him, he wipes away tears and everyone is smiling. I carefully help him to his feet and pull his arm over my shoulder to assist him in walking over to Blaze.

Aegis takes Dagwood's other side and we go at an easy pace towards the melted patch; where the snow is so deep it makes the edges too high to spy him from here. Phoenix pats Dagwood on the back and ruffles his green hair before sprinting ahead to tend to Blaze once more.